Courts Jamaica officially opened its third optical store inside the Courts Portmore branch last Friday.

The furniture and appliance chain ventured into providing prescription glasses last December when it opened two Courts Optical stores in its Constant Spring and Cross Roads branches.

The launch of the stores has provided 17 new jobs.

"As a business leader, Courts is big on investing in the development and growth of the Jamaican economy, and especially during this challenging economic time it is important for us to stimulate the country's economy with new business and provide employment opportunities," said Dennis Harris, managing director of the popular furniture chain.

Harris added: "Wearing glasses for many persons is not an option, but many are forced to delay that purchase or do without that need because of their inability to finance the purchase." Responding to that need, Courts Optical stores facilitate customers purchasing their glasses on credit with a maximum of one year to complete payments.

"At Courts, we understand the value of our customers' dollar and know that it can be a challenge for many to make that one-time cash purchase of eyewear," said Harris, and the credit option offsets this problem. The store has in-house opticians and offers eye exams. They also provide contact lenses and sunglasses.

Well done

George Lee, mayor of Portmore, hailed the company as community focused and committed to providing the citizens with top-of-the-line options. "I congratulate Courts on making their third optical store - Portmore," he said, noting the contribution of the company to the community and emphasising the hope that they will continue to work together towards its development.

Courts donated 10 free eye-care packages to students from Naggo Head and Waterford Primary schools, who need their services. Two teachers, Andrea Givans from Naggo Head Primary and Beverly Henry Isaacs, Waterford Primary School, emphasised the importance of proper eyesight in students performing at their ultimate. The teachers noted that it is common that students who can't see properly struggle with their studies. Therefore, they verbalised their appreciation to the company for helping these selected students.

Harris noted that the company will continue this thrust when opening other optical stores island-wide.

"As a good corporate citizen, Courts will donate eyewear to 10 students each time we open a new Courts Optical store," said Harris, also noting that at least four additional Courts Optical stores will be opened by the end of March 2014.